In the western Pacific ocean lies a chain of volcanic islands that look like paradise. Vanuatu is a small nation compared to other large countries, but what they lack in big metropolises they make up for in natural beauty. These rural communities work, live, and care for one another daily with the main focus on caring for nature.
Vanuatu is apart of The Commonwealth, which includes such countries as Canada and Australia. This has helped the country with things like elections, native rights, and early childhood education. But this is not why Vanuatu consistently earns the coveted Happiest Place to Live title. Since Vanuatu’s population is a native population, every single person lives and owns their tribal lands. This allows them to farm food and eat. While that might seem like a small thing, a full belly goes a long way to happiness!
There is a grand total of 83 islands in the Vanuatu chain and there are over 100 native languages spoken. Each tribe has a chief and respecting the elders is a huge part of their culture. And culture is what makes this country so special — many things are still done in, what some would say, an old fashioned way. Life is slow here. Peaceful. No bustling highways, no billboard ads, just lush forests, and beautiful beaches.
While tourism is completely closed due to COVID, we can all still daydream about running away to this magical place. If you could visit Vanuatu, what would you want to do first? Would you go fishing, hiking, or visit the volcanos? I’d definitely want to hang out with the native people and learn more about their culture. But let us know what you all think about the Happiest Place in the World. From all of us at Trill!: stay safe, wash your hands, and keep on dreaming.
Featured image is a screenshot from BBC Reel | Bill Code
